Title

Creator

Preview

Creation Date

20th century

Medium

wood

Exhibition Label

The figures of this set, made of Lifaki wood, are of exquisite beauty not least because of the physical beauty of African men and women. The polished smoothness of the wood and the careful attention given to detail lend these figures a heightened expression of physical presence and realism. We have here an example of successful inculturation where the physical type meets sociological reality (various occupations) without diminishing the spiritual meaning of the Nativity scene.

Description

9 hand-carved figures made of Lifaki wood by Ano Mbuta in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The figures depict Mary, Joseph, and the infant Jesus. Exhibition label written by Father Johann G. Roten, S.M. originally for exhibition entitled "African Symphony" held at Roesch Library, University of Dayton.